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Tell us how Vitamin D has helped you

by Toby Lee on 09/12/10

Vitamin D is deficiency is now thought to play a major role in many acute and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. More recently the role of Vitamin D in asthma and pain control has received a great deal of attention. If you have noticed an effect since starting on Vitamin D tell us about it so that others may learn. Click on the comments button below and tell us your observations.

Comments (20)

1. Sue Stern said on 9/13/10 - 09:02AM

I went for 14 years with lack of energy, problems sleeping, brain fog and general pain. I caught colds and couldn't get rid of them, and I seemed to be sick most of the time. About 4 years ago, I started having problems with my back and bone loss. I went to see one of my kids doctors (with my child) and while examining my child, he turned to me and asked how I was doing (I had another cold at the time). So I told him. After a short discussion, he stated that I might be low on Vitamin D3 and recommended that I start taking some, and to get a blood test done. I started taking 4000iu, and in 4 weeks, I suddenly started sleeping better (wasn't an expected result), within 6 weeks, my back pain was completely gone. I bumped up my D to 10000iu once a day, and haven't looked back since. EVERYTHING has gotten better. I found this at http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/vitamin-d-for-fibromyalgia-syndrome-fms

2. Patricia Kubus said on 9/13/10 - 12:56PM

After experiencing muscle pain and joint pain; I had been finally diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. I started with 50,000 units, then had gotten approval to receive 100,000 a week for 16 weeks. It took all of eight weeks to begin feeling less pain in my body. During the time I questioned if I also had Fibromyalgia. But luckily I didn't give in and get placed on steroids, for if I did, then the steroids would make me feel better, but prevent me from accomplishing in building up my vitamin D, for steroids hit your liver which causes further delay in building your vitamin D, especially if you are not on a suppliment. Which I believe was one of the reasons I suffered, for two years prior I was on and off steroids for sinus infections. I believe this added to my deficiency and then made me suffer from osteomalacia. A good book to read, The Vitamin D Solution by Michael F. Holick M.D. In this book he explains how this woman felt she had fibromyalgia, and in 6 months on heavy doses of vitamin D, she was free of her pain. This deficiency is more serious than what most doctors care to admit and I don't understand why....

3. Patricia Kubus said on 9/13/10 - 12:58PM

A good book to read, The Vitamin D Solution by Michael F. Holick M.D. In this book he explains how this woman felt she had fibromyalgia, and in 6 months on heavy doses of vitamin D, she was free of her pain. This deficiency is more serious than what most doctors care to admit and I don't understand why,

4. ZoraP said on 9/18/10 - 10:07AM

Vitamin D cured my 10-year TMJ disorder, no question about it. I had tried everything, and was calling around to find someone who was willing to inject botox into my jaw muscles just for some relief. I started taking 2000 IUs in the fall for a mood lift and was SHOCKED to see my TMJ disappear! After all the pain, medicine, and specialists, I could have been taking a darn pill! I now take 5000 IUs a day and tell everyone about this amazing supplement.

5. May said on 9/26/10 - 09:10PM

I had finally been prescribed medication for asthma, after a about 10 years of mild symptoms that would normally get worse and more frequent during the winter. However, my new GP put me on vit. D for "the winter blues" (Seasonal Affective Disorder/SAD), in February 2008. Although she only recommended 1,000IU dose/day, a friend told me about "this guy on the radio" who takes 6,000IUs and "it's great for mental clarity." I decided to take a chance and for about a week I took 6,000IUs then dropped it to 3,000IUs. Well, 2 weeks later I noticed that my asthma hadn't bothered me at all and hasn't since! Even when exposed to main triggers, like dust and pollen, I still don't have a flare-up/attack. (Please see my note re: other health issues below.)

6. May said on 9/26/10 - 09:22PM

I have posted re: my success with vit. D, that has cured my asthma, but I felt that it was equally important to also talk about my other health issues. After learning more about vit. D through Drs. Holick and Cannell, I began taking 5,000IUs/day. My other health issue were: SAD (seasonal affective disorder), cardiac arrhythmia, insulin spikes, headaches, attention deficit, dizziness, constant runny nose, hypertension, upper and lower GI issues (acid reflux, indigestion), hip and lower-back pain (the aching, throbbing kind seeing in osteomalacia and fibromyalgia patients), muscle & joint pain, and general fatigue and weakness. (The list goes on, but I'll stop there.) Since being on vit D, I have experience a full recovery from all symptoms listed above.

7. Ron G in Montana said on 9/26/10 - 10:47PM

I have severe asthma. I have it all. Triggers include stress, cold, and even mild exercise. Well, recently, I had to ride my bike into work, which typically is about a 20 minute ride downhill, and about an hour coming home (uphill). This typically produces about a 1/2 hour or more of wheezing when I get to work or home. I even have my seat adjusted high, so as to increase my leg-power. Well, to my point. On this particular day, I took 2 of the 5000IU D3 pills before I went on my journey to work. This was my first week on Vit D supplements. What I noticed was a remarkable difference. Yes I was breathing faster, due to the work-out, but what I noticed was that I was not SHORT OF BREATH. This was both ways, too. I thought for sure, that on the ride home (uphill), that I would get short of breath. But no, I was fine within 5 minutes of getting home. I think this was a major *wow* for me.

8. Laura said on 11/7/10 - 11:17AM

I am sold on Vitamin D3 for multitide reasons: 1. My life injury to my right foot doesn't tingle like it's sleeping anymore. 2. I seem to have no "Mental Pause" Brain Fog anymore. My cognitive skills have improved greatly. 3. Between my Gluten-Free Diet for my IBS Symptoms and my 10,000 D3 IU's daily, my intestines are the best in 5 years. I feel human and out of pain. 4. I'm sleeping better. I wasn't sure what turned my health around, but I noticed my husband is feeling great too, and he isn't Gluten Intolerant. D3 rocks. My former MD tested for D3 (and caught my low level), and that's the only thing he's did right. I now see a Functional Medicine MD who swears my D3.

9. Theresa from Wisconsin said on 11/16/10 - 02:03PM

Vitamin D3 has improved my life in so many ways. It all started for me when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in August 2010. According to the neurologist I have a very mild case but, of course, he wanted to put me on the MS drugs right away which I refused. I didn’t feel that I truly had MS and started to read everything I could get my hands on. I discovered a few articles which discussed how high doses of vitamin D3 can cut MS relapses and reduced the symptoms. After reading about all the other benefits of vitamin D3 I decided to give it a try. It took me a long time before I found a doctor who was willing to give me the blood test. After two months of taking an average of 30,000 IU’s per day, based on what I read, I can tell you that I am a different person. My husband has also noticed a difference in me. Here are the ways that my health has improved: my mood is much improved, my low grade depression has lifted, my brain fog is gone, I am starting to sleep better, I feel stronger, I have lots of energy, and I no longer suffer from PMS. As far as my “MS symptoms” those are gone as well. I just had my blood tested and I am at 170 ng/ml – that’s probably a bit high, so I’m going to back down to 10,000 IU’s per day. I will order another blood test in three months. I am so happy that I found vitamin D3 because it has changed my life. Like another commenter said, “D3 rocks!”

10. James from Boston said on 12/3/10 - 10:05AM

Had the whole family on Vitamin D for three years. No one has had a cold for flu since we started. With young children we always had several sick in the family every winter

11. Liz - London UK said on 12/7/10 - 01:04PM

My son came off his motor bike in September and ended up with a broken ankle. Large plate and 9 screws installed he came home from hospital like a bear with a sore head. I got him on 50K daily for two months and the hospital cannot believe how quick it has healed. The physiotherapists say they have never known such a fast and near perfect recovery. He's now down to 10k a day and when his results come back in 6 months of the Vit D3 levels, we will alter his dose either more or less as is needed. We test the body accepting levels by kineseology.

12. bob lsays: said on 12/9/10 - 09:17AM

As a pharmacist we have been following the grassrootshealth.net guidelines and findings at our community pharmacy, Glen Ellyn Pharmacy and have found similar findings. Several patients had to discontinue their blood pressure meds and anti depressant meds with medical supervision as they did not need the pharmaceutical products when the D got up to the new healthy level of 60 ng/ml. Many are taking 10,000 IU daily to get these benefits. Pain resolution is another big one we have experienced. Our pharmacy students have summarized the information from grassrootshealth.net to guide our patients to the new findings and need to increase their active D levels.

13. Anonymous said on 12/10/10 - 06:33PM

I have not noticed any beneficial changes, but I am still sold on Vitamin D. I did have an increase in migraine headaches to daily when I tried to increase from 4000 IU of D3 to 6000-9000 IU. I read something about Vitamin D causing a higher absorption of calcium, which can counteract magnesium. I cut back on the Vitamin D and took chelated magnesium at night to stop the migraines. You must take the magnesium at a separate time than any calcium you might take. My husband also had migraines from increasing his Vitamin D3 intake, which stopped when he cut back on the D3 and started with magnesium. I emailed one other person online who had the same problem with Vitamin D3. So people should be aware. My D3 blood level was 40 on 4000 IU and 52 on 8000 IU. I feel the higher level is desirable, but I just can't take it at this time.

14. Jacqui. Sheffield, UK said on 5/10/11 - 10:34AM

Since having cancer in 2003 I take various supplements, as long as there is scientific evidence to indicate potential benefit. In 2003 I also changed my diet radically to include lots of vegetables and fruit, less red meat, no salt, little or no sugar, and so on. Cancer patients will be familair with the strategy. In 2003 I was also diagnosed with asthma, thyroid cysts, and was very prone to colds and flu. By 2006, I was getting very bad colds and chest infections every winter, and for two consecutive winters, found myself with pneumonia after heavy colds. This necessitated as much as 6 weeks off work on one occasion. Vitamin D came to my attention in 2006 so I started with small amounts, 2000 iu a day. As new research was published, this was increased to 4000 iu, 6000 iu, in 2009 to 8,000 iu, and in 2010, to 10,000 iu. In the winter of 2009 on 8,000iu daily, I had colds but not so severely and without pneumonia. In the winter of 2010/2011, I have not had any cold at all, and no lung infections! In fact, I have just got over a very light cold infection, the first since mid 2010, with no difficulty, and no asthma triggered off. Working 40 miles away, commuting in winter was pretty hellish - no sunshine, getting to work in the dark and getting home in the dark. SAD was a fact of life in the months from November to February despite lunchtime walks outside. Benefits on the higher level of 10,000 iu daily are: no colds of any significance and no lung infections, SAD completely gone, mood very good, bones (just had a DXA scan to test for osteoporosis) show no signs of problems and are mineralised to 115% of that expected for age. Persistant nagging pain at site of original surgery has gone. Brain is in better condition than before. I have also been able to cut back on my steroid asthma medication. The thyroid cysts went in 2003 after 3 months taking kelp tablets, which I continue. I also take magnesium, but not calcium. In the cold wet UK vitamin D deficiency is a major public health issue. It is very difficult to understand why doctors don't recognise this, and why there seems to be resistance to setting up clinical trials of vitamin D in conjunction with standard cancer treatment. After all, the science has been around for decades now. Rickets is coming back - that old Victorian disease of poverty and malnutrition. People with dark skins are at particular risk. And knowing (now) that vitamin D plays such a huge role in development of the lungs, it makes me wonder whether Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may be caused by a D3 deficiency in the mother which she is unaware of.

15. Jacqui. Sheffield UK said on 5/10/11 - 10:38AM

Part 1. Since having cancer in 2003 I take various supplements, as long as there is scientific evidence to indicate potential benefit. In 2003 I was also diagnosed with asthma, thyroid cysts, and was very prone to colds and flu. By 2006, I was getting very bad colds and chest infections every winter, and for two consecutive winters, found myself with pneumonia after heavy colds. This necessitated as much as 6 weeks off work on one occasion. Vitamin D came to my attention in 2006 so I started with small amounts, 2000 iu a day. As new research was published, this was increased to 4000 iu, 6000 iu, in 2009 to 8,000 iu, and in 2010, to 10,000 iu. In the winter of 2009 on 8,000iu daily, I had colds but not so severely and without pneumonia. In the winter of 2010/2011, I have not had any cold at all, and no lung infections! In fact, I have just got over a very light cold infection, the first since mid 2010, with no difficulty, and no asthma triggered off. Working 40 miles away, commuting in winter was pretty hellish - no sunshine, getting to work in the dark and getting home in the dark. SAD was a fact of life in the months from November to February despite lunchtime walks outside.

16. Jacqui. Sheffield UK said on 5/10/11 - 10:39AM

In the winter of 2009 on 8,000iu daily, I had colds but not so severely and without pneumonia. In the winter of 2010/2011, I have not had any cold at all, and no lung infections! In fact, I have just got over a very light cold infection, the first since mid 2010, with no difficulty, and no asthma triggered off. Working 40 miles away, commuting in winter was pretty hellish - no sunshine, getting to work in the dark and getting home in the dark. SAD was a fact of life in the months from November to February despite lunchtime walks outside. Benefits on the higher level of 10,000 iu daily are: no colds of any significance and no lung infections, SAD completely gone, mood very good, bones (just had a DXA scan to test for osteoporosis) show no signs of problems and are mineralised to 115% of that expected for age. Persistant nagging pain at site of original surgery has gone. Brain is in better condition than before. I have also been able to cut back on my steroid asthma medication.

17. Jacqui. Sheffield UK said on 5/10/11 - 10:41AM

Part 2 In the cold wet UK vitamin D deficiency is a major public health issue. It is very difficult to understand why doctors don't recognise this, and why there seems to be resistance to setting up clinical trials of vitamin D in conjunction with standard cancer treatment. After all, the science has been around for decades now. Rickets is coming back - that old Victorian disease of poverty and malnutrition. People with dark skins are at particular risk. And knowing (now) that vitamin D plays such a huge role in development of the lungs, it makes me wonder whether Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may be caused by a D3 deficiency in the mother which she is unaware of.

18. Jane James said on 6/26/11 - 01:47PM

In 2010 I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis by my neurologist, in 2011 I found I had a cyst on my ovary and by mid 2011, with continued agonising pain, I visited another consultant, who said I had Acute cutneous nerve entrapment syndrome. As you can imagine, by now, not only was I drained whilst continuing to work full-time, but I was thinking very negative thoughts which became morbid ones! However, I was lucky to meet, and I do believe it was luck, a consultant who I believe is a magician. I refer to him as 'The man who walks on water!' not only has he taken away the pain that I have endured for over 2 years, he has asked me to take 20,000 units of vitamin D capsules. Alas, I cannot tell you my progress as yet but I am heartened by the comments I have so far read, particularly in relation to MS. I shall return to let you know how I am doing. Thank you all.

19. Liz - UK said on 7/23/11 - 06:16AM

What worries me now is that I've read someonwhere that the drugs companies are inventing a VitD pill which they can then patent and get lots of money from. The American health have announced - strangely - that its not necessary to take a higher dose of Vitd than that was suggested about 10 years ago ie 400iu a day. So from the time the new chemical stuff is put onto the market, how will we know we have not bought this instead of the current produce? In the two years I've been taking VitD3 my pals who I go on vacation with and had to draw straws to see who would have to share a room with me, tell me that I'm not snoring anymore. My son is not sawing logs either, tho this has taken about 2 years of 5,000iu daily or more. My blood reading is now up to 74 but I guess being a senior it is going to take a bit longer. In Australia they want a reading of between 90=160. If we get a winter in UK like we had last year I'm going to up my intake to about 10,000iu daily or higher.

20. Jill said on 1/23/13 - 07:47AM

I havd recently hat vitd blood test which came back negative ie., 93.2 My question is does anyone know what the optimum level should be. Also prior to blood test had been taking 4,500iu a day for 3 weeks would this have impacted the vitd level in that time to show on the blood test as negative? Many thanks all for any comments.

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Main | Customer Comments on... »

1.	Sue Stern said on 9/13/10 - 09:02AM
	I went for 14 years with lack of energy, problems sleeping, brain fog and general pain. I caught colds and couldn't get rid of them, and I seemed to be sick most of the time. About 4 years ago, I started having problems with my back and bone loss. I went to see one of my kids doctors (with my child) and while examining my child, he turned to me and asked how I was doing (I had another cold at the time). So I told him. After a short discussion, he stated that I might be low on Vitamin D3 and recommended that I start taking some, and to get a blood test done. I started taking 4000iu, and in 4 weeks, I suddenly started sleeping better (wasn't an expected result), within 6 weeks, my back pain was completely gone. I bumped up my D to 10000iu once a day, and haven't looked back since. EVERYTHING has gotten better. I found this at http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/vitamin-d-for-fibromyalgia-syndrome-fms
2.	Patricia Kubus said on 9/13/10 - 12:56PM
	After experiencing muscle pain and joint pain; I had been finally diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. I started with 50,000 units, then had gotten approval to receive 100,000 a week for 16 weeks. It took all of eight weeks to begin feeling less pain in my body. During the time I questioned if I also had Fibromyalgia. But luckily I didn't give in and get placed on steroids, for if I did, then the steroids would make me feel better, but prevent me from accomplishing in building up my vitamin D, for steroids hit your liver which causes further delay in building your vitamin D, especially if you are not on a suppliment. Which I believe was one of the reasons I suffered, for two years prior I was on and off steroids for sinus infections. I believe this added to my deficiency and then made me suffer from osteomalacia. A good book to read, The Vitamin D Solution by Michael F. Holick M.D. In this book he explains how this woman felt she had fibromyalgia, and in 6 months on heavy doses of vitamin D, she was free of her pain. This deficiency is more serious than what most doctors care to admit and I don't understand why....
3.	Patricia Kubus said on 9/13/10 - 12:58PM
	A good book to read, The Vitamin D Solution by Michael F. Holick M.D. In this book he explains how this woman felt she had fibromyalgia, and in 6 months on heavy doses of vitamin D, she was free of her pain. This deficiency is more serious than what most doctors care to admit and I don't understand why,
4.	ZoraP said on 9/18/10 - 10:07AM
	Vitamin D cured my 10-year TMJ disorder, no question about it. I had tried everything, and was calling around to find someone who was willing to inject botox into my jaw muscles just for some relief. I started taking 2000 IUs in the fall for a mood lift and was SHOCKED to see my TMJ disappear! After all the pain, medicine, and specialists, I could have been taking a darn pill! I now take 5000 IUs a day and tell everyone about this amazing supplement.
5.	May said on 9/26/10 - 09:10PM
	I had finally been prescribed medication for asthma, after a about 10 years of mild symptoms that would normally get worse and more frequent during the winter. However, my new GP put me on vit. D for "the winter blues" (Seasonal Affective Disorder/SAD), in February 2008. Although she only recommended 1,000IU dose/day, a friend told me about "this guy on the radio" who takes 6,000IUs and "it's great for mental clarity." I decided to take a chance and for about a week I took 6,000IUs then dropped it to 3,000IUs. Well, 2 weeks later I noticed that my asthma hadn't bothered me at all and hasn't since! Even when exposed to main triggers, like dust and pollen, I still don't have a flare-up/attack. (Please see my note re: other health issues below.)
6.	May said on 9/26/10 - 09:22PM
	I have posted re: my success with vit. D, that has cured my asthma, but I felt that it was equally important to also talk about my other health issues. After learning more about vit. D through Drs. Holick and Cannell, I began taking 5,000IUs/day. My other health issue were: SAD (seasonal affective disorder), cardiac arrhythmia, insulin spikes, headaches, attention deficit, dizziness, constant runny nose, hypertension, upper and lower GI issues (acid reflux, indigestion), hip and lower-back pain (the aching, throbbing kind seeing in osteomalacia and fibromyalgia patients), muscle & joint pain, and general fatigue and weakness. (The list goes on, but I'll stop there.) Since being on vit D, I have experience a full recovery from all symptoms listed above.
7.	Ron G in Montana said on 9/26/10 - 10:47PM
	I have severe asthma. I have it all. Triggers include stress, cold, and even mild exercise. Well, recently, I had to ride my bike into work, which typically is about a 20 minute ride downhill, and about an hour coming home (uphill). This typically produces about a 1/2 hour or more of wheezing when I get to work or home. I even have my seat adjusted high, so as to increase my leg-power. Well, to my point. On this particular day, I took 2 of the 5000IU D3 pills before I went on my journey to work. This was my first week on Vit D supplements. What I noticed was a remarkable difference. Yes I was breathing faster, due to the work-out, but what I noticed was that I was not SHORT OF BREATH. This was both ways, too. I thought for sure, that on the ride home (uphill), that I would get short of breath. But no, I was fine within 5 minutes of getting home. I think this was a major wow for me.
8.	Laura said on 11/7/10 - 11:17AM
	I am sold on Vitamin D3 for multitide reasons: 1. My life injury to my right foot doesn't tingle like it's sleeping anymore. 2. I seem to have no "Mental Pause" Brain Fog anymore. My cognitive skills have improved greatly. 3. Between my Gluten-Free Diet for my IBS Symptoms and my 10,000 D3 IU's daily, my intestines are the best in 5 years. I feel human and out of pain. 4. I'm sleeping better. I wasn't sure what turned my health around, but I noticed my husband is feeling great too, and he isn't Gluten Intolerant. D3 rocks. My former MD tested for D3 (and caught my low level), and that's the only thing he's did right. I now see a Functional Medicine MD who swears my D3.
9.	Theresa from Wisconsin said on 11/16/10 - 02:03PM
	Vitamin D3 has improved my life in so many ways. It all started for me when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in August 2010. According to the neurologist I have a very mild case but, of course, he wanted to put me on the MS drugs right away which I refused. I didn’t feel that I truly had MS and started to read everything I could get my hands on. I discovered a few articles which discussed how high doses of vitamin D3 can cut MS relapses and reduced the symptoms. After reading about all the other benefits of vitamin D3 I decided to give it a try. It took me a long time before I found a doctor who was willing to give me the blood test. After two months of taking an average of 30,000 IU’s per day, based on what I read, I can tell you that I am a different person. My husband has also noticed a difference in me. Here are the ways that my health has improved: my mood is much improved, my low grade depression has lifted, my brain fog is gone, I am starting to sleep better, I feel stronger, I have lots of energy, and I no longer suffer from PMS. As far as my “MS symptoms” those are gone as well. I just had my blood tested and I am at 170 ng/ml – that’s probably a bit high, so I’m going to back down to 10,000 IU’s per day. I will order another blood test in three months. I am so happy that I found vitamin D3 because it has changed my life. Like another commenter said, “D3 rocks!”
10.	James from Boston said on 12/3/10 - 10:05AM
	Had the whole family on Vitamin D for three years. No one has had a cold for flu since we started. With young children we always had several sick in the family every winter
11.	Liz - London UK said on 12/7/10 - 01:04PM
	My son came off his motor bike in September and ended up with a broken ankle. Large plate and 9 screws installed he came home from hospital like a bear with a sore head. I got him on 50K daily for two months and the hospital cannot believe how quick it has healed. The physiotherapists say they have never known such a fast and near perfect recovery. He's now down to 10k a day and when his results come back in 6 months of the Vit D3 levels, we will alter his dose either more or less as is needed. We test the body accepting levels by kineseology.
12.	bob lsays: said on 12/9/10 - 09:17AM
	As a pharmacist we have been following the grassrootshealth.net guidelines and findings at our community pharmacy, Glen Ellyn Pharmacy and have found similar findings. Several patients had to discontinue their blood pressure meds and anti depressant meds with medical supervision as they did not need the pharmaceutical products when the D got up to the new healthy level of 60 ng/ml. Many are taking 10,000 IU daily to get these benefits. Pain resolution is another big one we have experienced. Our pharmacy students have summarized the information from grassrootshealth.net to guide our patients to the new findings and need to increase their active D levels.
13.	Anonymous said on 12/10/10 - 06:33PM
	I have not noticed any beneficial changes, but I am still sold on Vitamin D. I did have an increase in migraine headaches to daily when I tried to increase from 4000 IU of D3 to 6000-9000 IU. I read something about Vitamin D causing a higher absorption of calcium, which can counteract magnesium. I cut back on the Vitamin D and took chelated magnesium at night to stop the migraines. You must take the magnesium at a separate time than any calcium you might take. My husband also had migraines from increasing his Vitamin D3 intake, which stopped when he cut back on the D3 and started with magnesium. I emailed one other person online who had the same problem with Vitamin D3. So people should be aware. My D3 blood level was 40 on 4000 IU and 52 on 8000 IU. I feel the higher level is desirable, but I just can't take it at this time.
14.	Jacqui. Sheffield, UK said on 5/10/11 - 10:34AM
	Since having cancer in 2003 I take various supplements, as long as there is scientific evidence to indicate potential benefit. In 2003 I also changed my diet radically to include lots of vegetables and fruit, less red meat, no salt, little or no sugar, and so on. Cancer patients will be familair with the strategy. In 2003 I was also diagnosed with asthma, thyroid cysts, and was very prone to colds and flu. By 2006, I was getting very bad colds and chest infections every winter, and for two consecutive winters, found myself with pneumonia after heavy colds. This necessitated as much as 6 weeks off work on one occasion. Vitamin D came to my attention in 2006 so I started with small amounts, 2000 iu a day. As new research was published, this was increased to 4000 iu, 6000 iu, in 2009 to 8,000 iu, and in 2010, to 10,000 iu. In the winter of 2009 on 8,000iu daily, I had colds but not so severely and without pneumonia. In the winter of 2010/2011, I have not had any cold at all, and no lung infections! In fact, I have just got over a very light cold infection, the first since mid 2010, with no difficulty, and no asthma triggered off. Working 40 miles away, commuting in winter was pretty hellish - no sunshine, getting to work in the dark and getting home in the dark. SAD was a fact of life in the months from November to February despite lunchtime walks outside. Benefits on the higher level of 10,000 iu daily are: no colds of any significance and no lung infections, SAD completely gone, mood very good, bones (just had a DXA scan to test for osteoporosis) show no signs of problems and are mineralised to 115% of that expected for age. Persistant nagging pain at site of original surgery has gone. Brain is in better condition than before. I have also been able to cut back on my steroid asthma medication. The thyroid cysts went in 2003 after 3 months taking kelp tablets, which I continue. I also take magnesium, but not calcium. In the cold wet UK vitamin D deficiency is a major public health issue. It is very difficult to understand why doctors don't recognise this, and why there seems to be resistance to setting up clinical trials of vitamin D in conjunction with standard cancer treatment. After all, the science has been around for decades now. Rickets is coming back - that old Victorian disease of poverty and malnutrition. People with dark skins are at particular risk. And knowing (now) that vitamin D plays such a huge role in development of the lungs, it makes me wonder whether Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may be caused by a D3 deficiency in the mother which she is unaware of.
15.	Jacqui. Sheffield UK said on 5/10/11 - 10:38AM
	Part 1. Since having cancer in 2003 I take various supplements, as long as there is scientific evidence to indicate potential benefit. In 2003 I was also diagnosed with asthma, thyroid cysts, and was very prone to colds and flu. By 2006, I was getting very bad colds and chest infections every winter, and for two consecutive winters, found myself with pneumonia after heavy colds. This necessitated as much as 6 weeks off work on one occasion. Vitamin D came to my attention in 2006 so I started with small amounts, 2000 iu a day. As new research was published, this was increased to 4000 iu, 6000 iu, in 2009 to 8,000 iu, and in 2010, to 10,000 iu. In the winter of 2009 on 8,000iu daily, I had colds but not so severely and without pneumonia. In the winter of 2010/2011, I have not had any cold at all, and no lung infections! In fact, I have just got over a very light cold infection, the first since mid 2010, with no difficulty, and no asthma triggered off. Working 40 miles away, commuting in winter was pretty hellish - no sunshine, getting to work in the dark and getting home in the dark. SAD was a fact of life in the months from November to February despite lunchtime walks outside.
16.	Jacqui. Sheffield UK said on 5/10/11 - 10:39AM
	In the winter of 2009 on 8,000iu daily, I had colds but not so severely and without pneumonia. In the winter of 2010/2011, I have not had any cold at all, and no lung infections! In fact, I have just got over a very light cold infection, the first since mid 2010, with no difficulty, and no asthma triggered off. Working 40 miles away, commuting in winter was pretty hellish - no sunshine, getting to work in the dark and getting home in the dark. SAD was a fact of life in the months from November to February despite lunchtime walks outside. Benefits on the higher level of 10,000 iu daily are: no colds of any significance and no lung infections, SAD completely gone, mood very good, bones (just had a DXA scan to test for osteoporosis) show no signs of problems and are mineralised to 115% of that expected for age. Persistant nagging pain at site of original surgery has gone. Brain is in better condition than before. I have also been able to cut back on my steroid asthma medication.
17.	Jacqui. Sheffield UK said on 5/10/11 - 10:41AM
	Part 2 In the cold wet UK vitamin D deficiency is a major public health issue. It is very difficult to understand why doctors don't recognise this, and why there seems to be resistance to setting up clinical trials of vitamin D in conjunction with standard cancer treatment. After all, the science has been around for decades now. Rickets is coming back - that old Victorian disease of poverty and malnutrition. People with dark skins are at particular risk. And knowing (now) that vitamin D plays such a huge role in development of the lungs, it makes me wonder whether Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may be caused by a D3 deficiency in the mother which she is unaware of.
18.	Jane James said on 6/26/11 - 01:47PM
	In 2010 I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis by my neurologist, in 2011 I found I had a cyst on my ovary and by mid 2011, with continued agonising pain, I visited another consultant, who said I had Acute cutneous nerve entrapment syndrome. As you can imagine, by now, not only was I drained whilst continuing to work full-time, but I was thinking very negative thoughts which became morbid ones! However, I was lucky to meet, and I do believe it was luck, a consultant who I believe is a magician. I refer to him as 'The man who walks on water!' not only has he taken away the pain that I have endured for over 2 years, he has asked me to take 20,000 units of vitamin D capsules. Alas, I cannot tell you my progress as yet but I am heartened by the comments I have so far read, particularly in relation to MS. I shall return to let you know how I am doing. Thank you all.
19.	Liz - UK said on 7/23/11 - 06:16AM
	What worries me now is that I've read someonwhere that the drugs companies are inventing a VitD pill which they can then patent and get lots of money from. The American health have announced - strangely - that its not necessary to take a higher dose of Vitd than that was suggested about 10 years ago ie 400iu a day. So from the time the new chemical stuff is put onto the market, how will we know we have not bought this instead of the current produce? In the two years I've been taking VitD3 my pals who I go on vacation with and had to draw straws to see who would have to share a room with me, tell me that I'm not snoring anymore. My son is not sawing logs either, tho this has taken about 2 years of 5,000iu daily or more. My blood reading is now up to 74 but I guess being a senior it is going to take a bit longer. In Australia they want a reading of between 90=160. If we get a winter in UK like we had last year I'm going to up my intake to about 10,000iu daily or higher.
20.	Jill said on 1/23/13 - 07:47AM
	I havd recently hat vitd blood test which came back negative ie., 93.2 My question is does anyone know what the optimum level should be. Also prior to blood test had been taking 4,500iu a day for 3 weeks would this have impacted the vitd level in that time to show on the blood test as negative? Many thanks all for any comments.